Engineering innovations in Canada’s public–private partnerships

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have long been touted as an innovative project delivery method that encourages technological innovation and chases delivery efficiency. However, literature based on European PPP practices seems to provide conflicting evidence. To help better understand and further improve this prevailing delivery method, this study collected and analysed empirical evidence of engineering innovations that have been successfully used in existing PPP projects in Canada. Drawing on literature review and an intensive interview programme involving 19 interviewees from 15 successful PPP projects, the study answered the what, who, when, why and how questions about innovation in PPPs. The study concluded that the PPP delivery system does provide unique innovation opportunities and scope that traditional delivery models cannot support. Performance-based output specifications, vertical integration and communication are the three key areas for improvements to enhance innovation in PPPs further.